The Hawaii Tourism Authority released a statement Friday afternoon urging visitors to remain vigilant through the weekend as Tropical Storm Hone approaches the island. HTA also stated it is still safe to travel to the Hawaiian Islands at this time and they are not advising visitors to cancel their trips, based on their close monitoring of Hone with state and county emergency management officials.
At this time the storm is expected to bring rain and high winds to windward and southeast-facing areas of the island chain from Saturday through Monday.
The HTA offered the following tips for visitors:
- Even distant tropical storms and hurricanes can bring heavy rain and strong winds. If you are planning to engage in outdoor activities this weekend, consider postponing these activities while advisories are in effect. Heed beach, park and trail closures - they are for your safety. If you have reservations for a land or ocean activity, contact your provider to inquire about any cancellations due to the weather.
- Tropical storms and hurricanes affect the tides. Always swim at lifeguarded beaches and heed beach closures and other advisories. While beach parks may be open as conditions subside, exercise caution, consult the lifeguards on duty, and refer to hawaiibeachsafety.com for the most up-to-date information. If in doubt, don’t go out.
To stay informed and receive real-time updates, connect with your island’s emergency management agency through their social media channels and sign up for text alerts at dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready.
